Eradication: Thomas, #3

By Aaron Abilene

Thomas has a series of really bad luck that leads him on an entirely different path than he had previously been on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Syphon Creative
• Release date: Oct 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223365266

Book preview

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie red glow across the desolate landscape. Once-bustling cities lay in ruins, the crumbling buildings standing like skeletal remnants of a forgotten age. Streets were choked with overgrown vegetation that clawed at the decaying asphalt like nature's revenge on mankind. The air was thick with an unsettling silence, pierced only by the distant moans and shuffling feet of the ever-present undead. Even the wind seemed to carry whispers of danger as it rustled through the trees, a constant reminder of the lurking zombies hidden within the shadows.

Move your ass, now! Thomas barked, his voice echoing through the shattered windows of a nearby storefront. Towering at six-foot-eight and weighing 350 pounds, he was a behemoth of a man, every inch of his muscular frame carved by battles against both the living and the dead. His body bore the scars of countless fights, each one a testament to his survival instincts and ferocity in this unforgiving world. He stood as a formidable figure amidst the chaos, the king of a strange, new kingdom united by the threat of annihilation.

Got it, boss. A survivor replied, casting a nervous glance at their leader before disappearing inside the building. Thomas turned his attention to the rest of the group, scanning the huddled survivors for any signs of weakness or dissent.

Listen up! he roared, demanding their full attention. We've got a long night ahead of us. Keep your eyes open, weapons ready, and stay the fuck together!

The sound of shattering glass echoed through the air, followed by a panicked scream. Thomas' head snapped towards the noise, adrenaline surging through his veins. His mind raced with tactical plans, calculating the best course of action to keep everyone alive. This was his responsibility, his burden to bear.

Shit, he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that every decision he made could mean the difference between life and death. It was a weight that never seemed to diminish, but it fueled his determination to protect those under his command.

Let's go! Thomas charged towards the disturbance, his powerful legs propelling him through the desolate streets. His senses were on high alert as he prepared himself for the battle to come – whatever it took to ensure their survival. But deep down, Thomas couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this existence than just fighting to stay alive.

Boss, got two of 'em! A survivor shouted, pointing to a pair of zombies emerging from the shadows. Thomas clenched his fists, steeling himself for the confrontation. As he stared into the lifeless eyes of his enemies, a spark of defiance ignited within him – a burning desire to reclaim control over the world that had been stolen away.

Bring it on, you fucking monsters, he growled, stepping forward to meet them head-on. And with each step, Thomas knew that this was only the beginning of his fight for humanity's future.

––––––––

Thomas stood amidst the chaos of the post-apocalyptic landscape, his towering figure a beacon of strength to those who followed him. He scanned the dilapidated buildings and overgrown vegetation that now dominated their world, knowing that danger lurked around every corner. The constant threat of zombies was ever-present, but Thomas had learned to harness their mindless obedience to his advantage.

Zombies, flank left! Survivors, form a perimeter! he barked, his voice booming across the battlefield. His commands were met with immediate compliance as the undead shuffled to their designated positions while the living survivors formed a protective circle around them. It was an uneasy alliance, but one that had become necessary for survival in this brutal new world.

Stay sharp and stick together! Thomas shouted to the survivors, locking eyes with each of them to convey the urgency of their situation. We're stronger as one!

As they progressed through the devastated city, Thomas couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off. He frowned, his brow furrowed in troubled thought, but there was no time to dwell on his instincts – not when lives were at stake.

Clear! called out one of the survivors as they entered an abandoned building, weapons at the ready. They swept the area cautiously, alert for any sign of danger. And that's when Thomas saw it – the last thing he could have ever expected.

In a dimly lit corner of the room, Hilary, his confidant and lover, was locked in an intimate embrace with Dolores, another survivor from their group. Their clothes lay discarded on the ground, revealing the truth of what had transpired between them.

Wh-what the fuck? Thomas stuttered, the shock and anger bubbling up inside him. Betrayal gnawed at his heart, and he felt his grip tighten on his weapon.

Thomas, I-I can explain, Hilary stammered, her eyes wide with panic as she scrambled to cover herself.

Explain? Thomas spat, his rage barely contained. You think you can fucking explain this?

Please, Tommy, it's not what it looks like, Dolores pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.

Shut up! he roared, his anger spilling over. Both of you, shut the fuck up! I trusted you, Hilary. I trusted you with my life, and this is how you repay me?

His mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. The betrayal was a wound that cut deep, and he knew that nothing could ever be the same again. But there were more pressing matters at hand – their survival depended on unity and trust, yet now, even that seemed to be slipping through his fingers.

Get dressed and get out, Thomas growled, his voice cold and unforgiving. I don't want to see either of you near me again.

As they scrambled to obey, Thomas turned away, his heart heavy with the weight of their betrayal. He knew that in this harsh new world, there was no room for weakness or divided loyalties. And so, with grim determination, he set his sights on the challenges ahead, prepared to lead the survivors and zombies in their fight for survival – no matter the personal cost.

––––––––

Thomas stormed out of the crumbling building, his mind a whirlwind of fury and disbelief. The air was thick with humidity, and the scent of decay hung heavy over the overgrown vegetation that threatened to reclaim the city. His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides, knuckles turning white as he struggled to contain the tidal wave of emotion surging through him.

Fuck! he roared, the word echoing against the shattered remains of civilization. As tears welled up in his eyes, he cursed himself for letting his guard down, even for a moment, in this godforsaken world.

Boss, what's going on? asked one of his lieutenants, a young woman named Sasha who had managed to survive the initial outbreak by sheer determination and grit.

Nothing I can't fucking handle, Thomas snarled, unwilling to reveal the depth of his heartbreak. I need you all to focus on the mission, got it? We've got a long road ahead of us, and I won't have any distractions.

Sasha nodded, sensing that now wasn't the time to pry. She turned back to the group of survivors and zombies, who were waiting for orders, their eyes fixed on the imposing figure of their leader.

Alright, listen up! Thomas bellowed, his voice carrying over the groans and moans of the undead. We're moving out! Keep your weapons ready and stay sharp – we don't know what kind of shit we'll run into out there.

As the motley crew began to mobilize, Thomas's mind raced with the thoughts of betrayal, anger, and loss. He knew he couldn't afford to dwell on his emotions, not when there were lives at stake. But he also knew that pain could be a powerful motivator – and he would use it to fuel his determination to take control of this goddamn hellscape.

Today, we take back what's ours, he muttered under his breath, his jaw set in a grim line. We'll fight tooth and nail, and we'll make those motherfuckers pay for what they've done to us.

With that vow etched into his heart, Thomas led the way into the unforgiving wasteland, his eyes blazing with an unquenchable fire. And as his ragtag army followed behind him, there was one thing they all knew for certain: their leader would stop at nothing to ensure their survival – even if it meant tearing apart the remnants of his own humanity in the process.

––––––––

Thomas stormed through the decaying corridors of their makeshift fortress, his heart pounding like a jackhammer in his chest. The air was heavy with dust and the stench of rot, but he barely registered it as he kicked open the door to the room where he had found Hilary and Dolores.

Explain yourselves, he growled, his voice a lethal snarl as he glared at the two women. Now.

Hilary's eyes widened in fear while Dolores defiantly met his gaze. Thomas, it's not what you think, Hilary stammered, her voice cracking under the weight of his fury.

Then what the fuck is it, huh? Thomas spat, his fists clenched so tight that his knuckles turned white. You think I'm blind? I saw you two together, goddammit!

Look, man, shit happens, Dolores interjected, her tone unapologetic. We're living in a fucking nightmare, and sometimes people just need a little... comfort, you know?

Comfort? Thomas scoffed, the word dripping with venom. Is that what you call betraying the one person who's been trying to keep us all alive? Some goddamn comfort?

Thomas, please, Hilary pleaded, tears streaming down her face. I never meant to hurt you.

Too fucking late for that, he snarled, his heart twisting painfully in his chest. With a final, seething glare at the pair, he made up his mind. You're done, Hilary. We're done. And Dolores – you'd better watch your back, because if you ever pull some shit like this again, I won't hesitate to throw you to the damn walkers.

With that, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him so hard that the hinges rattled. His mind swirled with a toxic cocktail of anger, betrayal, and loss, but he forced himself to focus on the task at hand.

He gathered any reminders of his relationship with Hilary – photographs, trinkets, shared possessions – and unceremoniously dumped them into a rusted metal barrel. The flames roared to life as he set the contents alight, watching impassively as the mementos were reduced to ashes.

Remember who the real enemy is, Thomas whispered to himself, the fire reflecting in his eyes. Betrayal has no place in my kingdom.

With renewed determination, he strode back towards the motley group of survivors and their undead allies, every step heavy with purpose. No matter the personal cost, he would see this godforsaken world restored to order – and woe betide anyone who dared to stand in his way.

––––––––

The air was thick with tension as Thomas strode back to the group of survivors, his heavy boots leaving imprints in the dirt. Scowls etched on their faces, they looked up at him expectantly. He could feel their eyes boring into him, searching for answers.

Listen up! he barked, his voice echoing through the desolate ruins. The assembled crowd fell silent as a graveyard. This world's gone to shit, and if we don't stick together, we're all worm food. Remember who the real enemy is – not each other, but those goddamn walkers!

The survivors exchanged uneasy glances, some nodding hesitantly in agreement. Thomas clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. He knew they needed more than just words; they needed direction, purpose.

Here's the plan, he growled, unrolling a tattered map onto a makeshift table. His finger traced the terrain, stopping at key locations. There are still pockets of humanity out there, people fighting the good fight just like us. We're gonna find them, band together, and crush this zombie scourge once and for all.

A murmur of approval rippled through the group. Thomas continued, his voice hard and unyielding, We need a safe haven, somewhere we can regroup and rebuild. This place, he jabbed his finger down on the map, is our best bet. It's fortified, it's remote, and it's got resources we'll need to survive.

Thomas, one survivor piped up, her voice wavering with uncertainty, how do you know we can trust these other groups? What if they betray us, too?

Then we'll deal with them, Thomas spat bitterly, memories of Hilary's betrayal flickering in his mind. But right now, we need all the allies we can get. And if we don't find them, we're as good as dead.

Damn right! shouted another survivor, a burly man with a scarred face. The others echoed his sentiment, their voices rising in a chorus of determination.

Alright, let's move out! We've got a long road ahead of us, but I'll be damned if we don't see this through to the bitter end, Thomas declared, rolling up the map and thrusting it into his pack. Stay sharp, stay together, and most importantly, stay alive.

As the group mobilized, falling into formation behind their towering leader, Thomas's thoughts turned inward. He knew he had a monumental task ahead of him – not just to protect the survivors from the undead horde, but also to shield them from the treachery lurking within their own ranks. His heart might have been broken, but he would not let that break his resolve.

Betray me, betray each other, betray humanity – I don't give a fuck, he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the desolate horizon. In the end, we will rise above this nightmare, or die trying.

––––––––

Listen up, everyone! Thomas barked, his voice echoing through the shattered ruins of the city. The group of survivors, weary but determined, gathered around him as he stood in the shadow of a crumbling building. We need to get our shit together and find more good people out there who're still alive. We can't let those undead bastards win.

Where do we start? asked a young woman, her face smeared with soot and blood – a testament to her struggle.

First, we head west. There's a rumored safe haven near the coast, Thomas said, as he slammed his boot on the hood of an abandoned car. Then we search for other groups, form alliances. We'll rebuild society, one brick at a fucking time.

The survivors exchanged nervous glances, but their eyes held a spark of hope. They trusted Thomas – and they were ready to follow him into hell.

Let's move out! Thomas commanded, and the group sprang into action. As they traversed the perilous landscape, Thomas led from the front, his massive frame casting a protective shadow over the ragtag band.

Watch your six! he yelled, as a zombie lunged from the darkness. With swift, practiced moves, Thomas dispatched the creature, its decaying head rolling away like a grotesque bowling ball.

Thanks for the save, gasped a survivor, wiping sweat from his brow.

Stick together, Thomas growled, his eyes scanning the horizon for potential threats. He knew that it was only a matter of time before another creature emerged – and he would be ready.

As the group pressed onward, Thomas couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility settling heavily on his shoulders. He had been betrayed by someone he loved, but now he had a new mission: ensuring the survival of the human race.

Betray me, betray each other, betray humanity – I don't give a fuck, he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the desolate horizon. In the end, we will rise above this nightmare, or die trying.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with blood-red hues. Thomas stood tall, his face hardened with determination, as he led his followers into the gathering darkness. They were a small force in a world gone mad – but they would not go down without a fight.

Bring it on, you undead motherfuckers, Thomas whispered, gripping his weapon tightly. We're coming for you.

With each step forward, the group knew that their journey had only just begun. But they also knew one thing for certain: with Thomas leading the way, they had a fighting chance. And in this unforgiving world, that was all they could ask for.

––––––––

The world was a graveyard, where the scent of decay hung heavy in the air. The once-thriving cities were now nothing more than crumbling ruins, their skeletal remains a stark reminder of the life that had been ripped away. Shadows stretched out like tendrils, swallowing the last vestiges of light as an eerie silence enveloped the desolate landscape. This was the post-apocalyptic wasteland, a realm where death ruled with an iron fist, and survival was a game played on a knife's edge.

Huddled together amidst the rubble, a group of survivors clung to each other like shipwrecked sailors lost at sea. Their faces gaunt, eyes hollow and haunted by the horrors they'd witnessed. They were a motley crew: men, women, and children whose lives had been irrevocably altered by the cataclysmic events that had befallen them.

Stay low, hissed a grizzled man, his voice strained with fear. They're coming.

God, there's so many, whispered a young woman, her hands shaking as she clutched a makeshift spear.

Keep it together, Sarah, admonished another survivor, his gaze fixed on the swarm of undead horrors that bore down upon them.

From the shadows, Thomas watched the scene unfold before him, his mind racing. He knew that these people needed him; they were desperate, teetering on the brink of annihilation. As the hulking leader of both zombies and the remnants of humanity, he understood the responsibility that weighed heavily on his broad shoulders.

Fuck! cursed a teenage boy, struggling to load a crossbow bolt. "I can't